A Department of Homeland Security officer prepares to block traffic for a prisoner transport van at the Paul G. Rogers Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse. This comes as a man suspected in an apparent assassination attempt targeting former President Donald Trump has been charged with federal gun crimes.
In an alarming incident reported by the FBI on Sunday, former President Donald Trump was targeted in what officials describe as an attempted assassination. Ryan Wesley Routh, the suspect, is now in custody after being identified with a rifle at Trump’s golf club in West Palm Beach, Florida.
The situation unfolded around 1:30 p.m. ET at Trump International Golf Course, where the former president was playing. Routh’s vehicle was later spotted on Interstate 95, but the acting director of the U.S. Secret Service confirmed that he did not discharge his weapon.
This incident follows a previous assassination attempt on Trump two months ago in Butler, Pennsylvania.
About the Suspect.
Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, has a lengthy criminal history, including a felony conviction in 2002 for possession of a machine gun and incidents involving armed standoffs with law enforcement. His record also includes charges for hit-and-run, concealed carry violations, and possession of stolen property.
Interestingly, Routh’s social media accounts reveal he was once a supporter of Trump but later turned against him. Most notably, he vocally supported Ukraine in its conflict with Russia and sought to join the international fight, but was turned away by Ukraine’s military. He subsequently attempted to recruit others for combat.
Legal Proceedings and Future Steps.
Routh currently faces two felony firearm charges. According to a recently unsealed FBI criminal complaint, cell phone records indicate he arrived near Trump’s golf club at 2 a.m. and waited until 1:30 p.m., when a Secret Service agent spotted him and fired shots, prompting Routh to flee.
Concerns are rising regarding the Secret Service’s protocols, as this incident has sparked questions about previous lapses in security, such as those highlighted following a prior incident in Pennsylvania. When agents noticed a gun barrel emerging from the bushes on the course’s perimeter, they acted quickly, which ultimately led to Routh abandoning his escape rifle and other items, including a GoPro camera intended to record the event.
Routh was apprehended about 45 minutes later on Interstate 95, driving a vehicle registered to another person whose car had been reported stolen.
